Assistant Branch Operations Manager - Snow Division

JC Grounds Management is looking for an experienced people-manager to serve as Assistant Branch Operations Manager for our Snow Operations team. This is a high-visibility leadership role: you'll be the daily connective tissue between our commercial clients, our crews, and the Branch Manager — which means your success depends as much on how well you communicate as on how well you operate.

You'll move comfortably between a boardroom conversation with a facilities director at one of our large commercial accounts and a 2 a.m. radio call directing plow operators through an active storm. If you're the kind of leader who can set clear expectations, listen well, stay calm under pressure, and earn trust with very different audiences in the same day, we want to talk to you.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a key point of contact for commercial clients — building relationships, managing expectations, and resolving concerns quickly and professionally.

• Work with the Branch Manager to plan, organize, and execute the winter weather management plan, including in-storm operations and post-storm restoration.

• Lead recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of Service Partners and seasonal crew based on seasonal staffing needs.

• Build strong working relationships with crews and operators — clear, consistent communication that keeps people informed, motivated, and safe.

• Develop and manage ice watch shifts, communicating real-time conditions and adjustments to the team.

• Train and support operational staff on service standards, safety procedures, and customer interaction expectations.

• Conduct on-site inspections to monitor service quality, identify issues, and coordinate resolution with Account Managers.

• Coordinate equipment, materials, and supplier relationships to keep crews properly resourced.

• Use industry software and MS Office to track operations, documentation, and timekeeping.

• During the off-season: support sales, contract renewals, and post-season site repairs.

What You Bring

• 3+ years of management or supervisory experience in a field-based, weather- or schedule-dependent environment (snow/landscape, construction, logistics, facilities, utilities, or similar). Direct snow or landscape industry experience is a plus.

• Strong, adaptable communication skills — equally credible with commercial clients, field crews, and internal teams.

• A track record of leading, training, and retaining hourly or seasonal staff.

• Sound judgment and quick, practical decision-making under time pressure.

• Solid organizational skills and comfort with basic business software (MS Office; industry-specific platforms taught on the job).

• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays as weather requires — this is the nature of storm response.

• Valid driver's license.

Why JC Grounds

• Company vehicle provided.

• Annual company bonus.

• 401(k) with company match.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution.

• Paid time off.

• Tuition reimbursement.

• Employee referral program.

• A defined path toward Branch Manager for candidates who want to grow with us.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This role is both office- and field-based. It's active work — standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and extended hours during storm events — and requires the ability to safely operate/enter and exit equipment and to lift or move items over 50 pounds.